Nepal, Feb. 9 -- January and February are significant months in Nepal's modern political history, especially for Kathmandu and Madhesh. While there has been progress in their relationship, there is still room for improvement.

In 2006, the CPN (Maoist) entered the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA). A coalition of seven parties (Seven Party Alliance) and the Maoists were working in tandem, but the Nepali Congress, the CPN (UML) and the CPN (Maoist) were leading in defining Nepal's political course. On January 15, 2007, the Seven Party Alliance promulgated an interim constitution without mentioning federalism.

The following day, the Upendra Yadav-led Madheshi Janadhikar Forum, Nepal (MJF-Nepal), burned a copy of the interim constitution ...